Strap assembly for use in an exoskeleton apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exoskeleton for a limb of a user utilizes an air bladder strap, which may be monitored and the pressure therein adjusted from time to time.

FIELD

This specification relates to an exoskeleton apparatus. In a preferredembodiment, this specification relates to a strap having an inflatedpocket, which is useable to secure a person to an exoskeleton assemblyfor an exoskeleton apparatus. The fluid pressure in the strap may beadjustable.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is partof the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a personskilled in the art.

Spinal cord injury is one of the primary causes of paralysis. Spinalcord injuries can be of varying severity, ranging from high C levelinjuries to Low S level injuries. Spinal cord injuries may result inparaplegia—the loss of movement or feeling in the lower limbs—or evenquadriplegia—the loss of movement or feeling in both the lower and upperlimbs.

A person with complete or partial paraplegia is typically restricted toa seated or recumbent position. Aside from the obvious healthdifficulties, such as lack of mobility, there are numerous secondaryhealth issues associated with paraplegia. Some of the most commonsecondary conditions include pressure ulcers, respiratory problems,genitourinary problems, spasticity, pain, and autonomic dysreflexia.

Because of all these secondary health complications, rehospitalizationfor paraplegia patients outpaces the general population by up to 2.6times normal. Also, secondary conditions do not exist in isolation buthave the potential to exacerbate each other, which can lead to serioushealth complications.

However, if paraplegics are provided with the ability to be in anupright position and mobile, for example using an assistive device, manyof these complications can be reduced or eliminated.

Moreover, a suitable assistive device can provide on-going, activerehabilitation, which has the potential to restore motion and feeling insome patients' limbs over time. This is especially so if use of theassistive device is initiated immediately following initial injury.

Currently, rehabilitation is a manual and laborious process. A patienttypically must regularly visit a rehabilitation clinic, where aspecialist physiotherapist assists the patient through the use ofvarious exercise machines and devices. The patient may also be guidedthrough manual exercise by the physiotherapist. However, once thesession is complete, the patient typically returns to a wheelchair andreceives no further exercise until the next rehabilitation session.

Various types of exoskeleton apparatus are known that may be used forpatients. For example, exoskeletons may be provided for the arms or legsof a user. Where a user has full use of the limb supported by theexoskeleton, the exoskeleton may be used to enhance natural abilities,for example to carry a heavy load. In other cases, where the user hasimpaired use of the limb supported by the exoskeleton, the exoskeletonmay be used for rehabilitative purposes or to replicate full function.

Typically, an exoskeleton for the legs includes a body portion thatcontacts a user's torso or waist, an upper leg portion moveably mountedto the body portion, and a lower leg portion moveably mounted to theupper leg portion.

Exoskeletons may also be powered, in which case they may have one ormore motors coupled to gears or pulleys configured to move the upper andlower leg portions to facilitate the user's desired motion, such aswalking.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detaileddescription that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or asyet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in anycombination or sub-combination of the elements or process stepsdisclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

In accordance with one aspect, which may be used by itself or with anyone or more other aspects, an air bladder strap design may be used. Theair bladder strap may be inflated to a predetermined pressure thateffectively secures the strap against the user's limb or body. While inuse, the inflatable bladder distributes pressure against the limb orbody, reducing pressure points and the potential for injury.

The air bladder strap may also be continuously or periodically monitoredby a controller and inflated or deflated as needed from a source ofpressurized air or fluid.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an exoskeletoncomprising

-   -   (a) at least one leg structure;    -   (b) a drive member operatively connected to the at least one leg        structure;    -   (c) an air bladder strap configured to secure a user to a        portion of the exoskeleton, the air bladder strap comprising a        section that extends from an openable portion to an attachment        portion, the section having an inflatable pocket having a first        end proximate the openable portion and a second end proximate        the attachment portion, wherein the first and second ends are in        air flow communication; and,    -   (d) a source of pressurized fluid connectable in flow        communication with the inflatable pocket.

In some embodiments, the openable portion may be releasably attachableto the exoskeleton at a first location and the attachment portion may beprovided on the exoskeleton at a second location.

In some embodiments, the attachment portion may be releasably attachableto the exoskeleton at the second location.

In some embodiments, the openable portion may be releasably attachableto the attachment portion and a mid-portion of the air bladder strap maybe connected to the exoskeleton.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressuresensor in flow communication with the inflatable pocket.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a controllerthat may be operable to maintain the pressure in the inflatable pocketabove a predetermined pressure, the controller may be operativelyconnected to the source of pressurized fluid, wherein the controlleractuates the source of pressurized fluid in response to a low pressuresignal from the pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressurerelief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket andactuatable when the pressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds apredetermined pressure.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressurerelief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket andactuatable when the pressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds apredetermined pressure.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressuresensor in flow communication with the inflatable pocket, a pressurerelief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket and acontroller operatively connected to the source of pressurized fluid, thepressure sensor and the pressure relief valve, wherein the controllermay be operable to maintain the pressure in the inflatable pocket in apredetermined range.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a check valvepositioned between the pressure sensor and the source of pressurizedfluid.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressurerelief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket andactuatable when the pressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds apredetermined pressure.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a controllerthat may be operable to maintain the pressure in the inflatable pocketabove a predetermined pressure, the controller may be operativelyconnected to the source of pressurized fluid, wherein the controlleractuates the source of pressurized fluid in response to a low pressuresignal from the pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise a pressurerelief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket andactuatable when the pressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds apredetermined pressure and a controller that may be operable to maintainthe pressure in the inflatable pocket above a predetermined pressure,the controller may be operatively connected to the source of pressurizedfluid, wherein the controller actuates the source of pressurized fluidin response to a low pressure signal from the pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the check valve and the pressure relief valve maycomprise a single valve.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may further comprise at least oneadditional inflatable pocket wherein the source of pressurized fluidconnectable may be in flow communication with all of the inflatablepockets.

In some embodiments, the inflatable pocket may be baffled.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided an exoskeleton amethod of attaching an exoskeleton to a user comprising:

-   -   (a) extending an air bladder strap that is connected to the        exoskeleton around a portion of the user's body;    -   (b) pressurizing the air bladder strap from an on board source        of pressurized fluid; and,    -   (c) maintaining pressure in the air bladder strap within a        predetermined range.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise releasing pressurefrom the air bladder strap when an overpressure condition occurs.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may comprises a pressure reliefvalve in flow communication with an inflatable pocket in the air bladderstrap and the method may further comprise automatically releasingpressure from the air bladder strap when an overpressure conditionoccurs.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise monitoring pressurein the air bladder strap and increasing the pressure when an underpressure condition occurs.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise releasing pressurefrom the air bladder strap when an overpressure condition occurs.

In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or withany one or more other aspects, the upper limb portion is pivotallymounted to the rest of the exoskeleton about a pivot axis that isvertically offset from the lateral transmission axis of the drive forceto the gears of the joint. Improper alignment of the exoskeleton jointmay impose stress on a user's joint.

Advantages of the off-set pivot axis in the described designs includehaving a powered rotational axis of the exoskeleton that is offset fromthe user's natural joint pivot axis. In the described off-set axis, thejoint pivot axis is allowed to freely rotate, while the poweredrotational axis is drivenly coupled to the motor output axis. Thisdecoupling of the joint rotational axis and the power transmissionrotational axis allows the joint to move in a natural pivot motion,while allowing the exoskeleton to use a more efficient gear assembly fortransmitting rotational power.

According to another broad aspect, which may be used by itself or withany one or more other aspects, an exoskeleton is provided forfacilitating movement of a user's limb or limbs. The exoskeletoncomprises a support structure for part or all of a user's limb and ajoint. The drive mechanism for the joint utilizes a drive member, whichis laterally offset from and has an output drive force member that is atan angle to the direction of transmission of the drive force to thejoint. For example, the drive member may be an electrically operatemotor with an output shaft. The motor may be mounted on the upperportion of a limb structure (e.g., the portion that extends along thethigh of a user). A drive shaft or other transverse drive member maytransmit the rotary drive force from the output shaft transversely to ajoint of the exoskeleton. Accordingly, the drive mechanism uses atransmission construction that converts rotary motion about one axis,e.g., a vertical axis in the case of a person walking, to rotary motionabout another axis at an angle to the first axis, e.g., a horizontalaxis in the case of a person walking.

In some embodiments, the exoskeleton may be configured for a user'slegs. In such a case, two symmetrical leg structures may be provided,along with a torso support. The leg structures may be articulable atjoints that are aligned with the user's own joints, specifically thehips, knees and ankles. Alternately, or in addition, the exoskeleton maybe configured for a user's arms.

Each hip and knee joint may have a transmission construction thattransfers rotary drive motion from motors mounted on an upper legportion to gears within the exoskeleton joints.

One advantage of the transmission construction is that the drive motorsmay be provided on the upper leg portion, since the upper leg portion isanatomically better suited to support the additional weight as comparedto the lower leg. More particularly, if a drive motor were provided onthe lower leg below the knee, the lower leg would have a higher massmoment of inertia. This weight reduction reduces stress on the user'sknee joint.

A further advantage of mounting the drive motor for the knee on theupper leg portion only, the design of the lower leg portion can beconsiderably simplified. This simplified construction simplifies thedesign requirements for the knee joint of the exoskeleton.

Further advantages of the transmission construction include facilitatingthe mounting of motors with their rotational output axis generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper leg portion. This allowsfor a more compact design, which allows the user to navigate easily withthe aid of crutches. A wider design of the exoskeleton may hinder theuser's ability to balance effectively with the aid of crutchesthroughout the entirety of a walking motion.

In accordance with this aspect, the transmission construction is used totransmit rotational power from the motors to the corresponding, e.g.,leg or body, portion. Optionally, the gear assembly can use a series ofgears and a transverse transfer shaft to provide a gear reduction toreduce rotational speed while increasing torque. As a result, the gearassembly transmits power from the motor output shaft to the transverselyoriented rotational axis of the exoskeleton limbs.

Gears may be mounted to their respective shafts (e.g., motor outputaxle, transverse transfer shaft) using a shearable key. An advantage ofthe shearable key is that the key can be chosen to deform or break whena predetermined torque is applied, where that torque is less than islikely to cause injury to the user or damage to the exoskeleton.

In accordance with another aspect, which may be used by itself or withany one or more other aspects, an improved foot portion is provided. Thefoot portion includes a foot plate hingedly mounted to the lower legportion and biased by a biasing member, such as a spring, to a firstposition in which the forward portion of the foot is raised off theground and the rearward portion of the foot is lowered toward theground.

When in a standing position, the user's weight and the weight of theexoskeleton overcome the biasing such that the foot plate rests level onthe ground. When the leg is raised, the biasing causes the forwardportion of the foot to be raised upwardly, which facilitates walking andthe avoidance of obstacles.

The use of a passive biasing mechanism, such as a spring, eliminates theneed for a powered motor and transmission construction to actuate thefoot and ankle. This design is thus both lightweight and relativelysimple to construct, again reducing weight and complexity.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that anexoskeleton may embody any one or more of the features contained hereinand that the features may be used in any particular combination orsub-combination.

DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the presentspecification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taughtin any way.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example exoskeleton apparatus withthe outer cover of the gear housing cover of one limb removed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example exoskeleton apparatus ofFIG. 1 with the outer cover of the gear housing cover of both limbsremoved;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exoskeleton of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an inside side view of a leg structure of the exoskeleton ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an outside side view of the leg structure of FIG. 4 with thegear housing cover removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example drive force transmissionmechanism for the right leg structure of an exoskeleton;

FIG. 7 is a first or outer side view of the drive force transmissionmechanism of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the drive force transmission mechanism of FIG.6;

FIG. 9 is a second or inner side view of the drive force transmissionmechanism of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example drive force transmissionmechanism for the left leg structure of an exoskeleton;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the example drive forcetransmission mechanism of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged front view of the drive force transmissionmechanism of FIG. 6, wherein the drive motor has been removed;

FIG. 13 is an outside side view of the partial drive force transmissionmechanism of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the partial drive force transmission mechanismof FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an inside side view of the partial drive force transmissionmechanism of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the inside of the partial drive forcetransmission mechanism of FIG. 12 with the drive components outwards ofthe internal gear removed;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view from the inside of a partial drive forcetransmission mechanism for the left leg structure of an exoskeleton;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a foot portion for the left legstructure of an exoskeleton;

FIG. 19 is an outside side view of the foot portion of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the foot portion of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the foot portion of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a foot portion for the leg of anexoskeleton in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an outside side view of the foot portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the foot portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the foot portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exoskeleton with an example airbladder strap;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an exoskeleton with another example airbladder strap;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exoskeleton with yet another exampleair bladder strap;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an exoskeleton with yet another exampleair bladder strap; and,

FIG. 30 is a schematic drawing of a control system for an exoskeletonwith an air bladder strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide anexample of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those describedbelow. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses orprocesses having all of the features of any one apparatus or processdescribed below or to features common to multiple or all of theapparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or processdescribed below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Anyinvention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaimor dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in thisdocument.

The described embodiments provide assistive devices suitable for use insupporting and treating paraplegia, by facilitating on-going activerehabilitation. For example, a powered exoskeleton structure isdescribed that supports the patient's legs and torso in an uprightposition. With the aid of one or more crutches, the patient may stand orwalk while using the exoskeleton or may be able to walk just using theexoskeleton. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton may have sensors and acontroller that interpret physiological and environmental inputs toallow the patient to, e.g., stand, sit, or walk. For example,physiological inputs may include the angular position of the patient'supper body, balance over both legs, and pressure at the bottom of eachfoot. Alternately, or in addition if the patient is unbalanced or simplynot ready to perform a function, the exoskeleton may remain inactive toavoid injury or unwanted action.

Actuation of the exoskeleton may be provided by electric motors, whichmay be stepped down with transmissions at each knee or hip joint. Insome embodiments, an ankle joint is unpowered, and operates with the aidof a spring-biased mechanism that raises a forward portion of thepatient's foot when the rearward portion of the foot is lifted off awalking surface. Power is preferably provided by an on-board batterypack. In other embodiments, a foot plate assembly may not be provided.

The described embodiments are not limited to use by paraplegic patients.Patients with other illnesses or conditions may also benefit from theuse of an exoskeleton. For example, patients with middle stageamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, musculardystrophy, stroke, or other neurological impairments may benefit fromthe exoskeleton. Moreover, the exoskeleton may also be beneficial in thetreatment of musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle, tendon orligament injuries.

It will be appreciated that the exoskeleton may be provided with onlyone leg structure. For example, a user may only have one limb that hasimpaired movement or control of movement. It will also be appreciatedthat the exoskeleton may be designed for a user who has difficulty withthe movement of only one joint—such as the hip or the knee. In such acase, the exoskeleton may be configured so as to provide motorizedassist for only that joint. It will also be appreciated that the samemechanisms may be used for an exoskeleton that is designed for use withone or both arms of a user. For example, the exoskeleton may have limbstructure that is configured to be connected to an arm of a user.

While the described embodiments generally relate to an exoskeleton forthe legs of a paraplegic user, an exoskeleton for a quadriplegic usercan similarly be provided through the addition of additional joints andmotors (e.g., at the hip or waist and at the arms).

General Description of an Exoskeleton Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an example embodiment of exoskeleton 1 is shown.In the embodiment shown, the exoskeleton apparatus is an exoskeleton forboth legs of a user. In alternate embodiments, the exoskeleton apparatusmay also or alternately include arm and/or upper torso structures (e.g.,for a quadriplegic patient), or may be a partial exoskeleton for onlyone limb or only one joint of one limb.

In the illustrated example, the exoskeleton 1 includes a body portion orsupport structure 9 that is moveably connected to two limb structures 2.Limb structure 2 comprises an upper limb portion 3 and a lower limbportion 4 and may be configured to support an arm or leg of a user.Upper limb portion may be moveably and drivingly connected both to bodyportion 9 and a lower limb portion 4. Limb structure 2 may also comprisea foot portion including a foot plate 5, which may be moveably connectedto lower limb portion 4. As exemplified, limb structures 2 are of thesame construction. However, it will be appreciated that limb structures2 may differ. It will also be appreciated, for example, that in someembodiments, a lower limb structure may not be required.

Each of upper limb portion 3, lower limb portion 4 and body portion 9may be formed of a metal, metal alloy, plastic, composite or anothersuitable material, or combinations thereof. Each portion may be formedof a single contiguous element, or may comprise multiple elementscoupled together.

In some embodiments, body portion 9 includes a hip portion 91 and awaist portion 92, which are generally coupled together. Body portion 9may also have hip rests 93 and a back rest 94 provided thereon for usercomfort. Hip rests 93 and back rest 94 may be provided in varioussuitable configurations. Extruded foam or another suitable material maybe used to form the hip and back rests. Alternately, these may be rigidmembers (e.g., formed of a metal, metal alloy, plastic, composite oranother suitable material) which may be padded (e.g., foam or otherdeformable material). It will be appreciated that the body portion 9 maybe used by itself. It will also be appreciated that the differentaspects disclosed herein may be used without a body portion 9 or anybody portion known in the art.

In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 1, body portion 9 isconfigured such that no shoulder harness is provided. Accordingly,weight is not transmitted from the user's upper torso or shoulders tothe user's spine. An advantage of this design is that the user may haveincreased upper body mobility. In addition, the center of gravity of theweight of the exoskeleton experienced by the user will be lower.

Waist portion 92 may be adjustable (e.g., it may be provided withmultiple segments) to accommodate users of various body sizes.Accordingly, the elements of waist portion 92 may be rigid members, someor all of which may be moveably connected with respect to adjacentmembers. As exemplified, waist portion 92 may be provided with a waistadjustment member 95 which has a first end 95 a that is securable to hipportion extension 91 a at multiple locations and a second end 95 b thatis securable to a first end 97 a of side strap 97 at multiple locations.A waist adjustment member 95 may be provided on each side of theexoskeleton. Alternately, or in addition, waist portion 92 may also beprovided with a back adjustment member 96 which has a first end 96 athat is securable to second end 97 b of side strap 97 at multiplelocations and a second end 96 b that is securable to the second end 97 bof the side strap 97 on the other side of the exoskeleton at multiplelocations. In the illustrated example, waist portion 92 includes severalsegments that are slidably mated to each other. Multiple holes areprovided within the segments, allowing for the waist portion to beadjusted to a desired width and depth. Bolts or other suitable fasteners(e.g., a wing nut) may be provided to fix the waist portion at thedesired size. Other sileable or connection mechanisms with multipleconnection positions may be used. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthat waist portion may be of various constructions that permit the waistportion to be adjusted to the size of a particular user.

Preferably, as exemplified, and particularly with an exoskeleton for usewith one or more legs of a user, no shoulder strap or other mechanism isprovided. Accordingly, the upper torso of a user does not support anyweight of the exoskeleton. In an embodiment wherein a foot plate isprovided, the exoskeleton essentially supports its own weight.Accordingly, waist portion 92 may be configured to secure or assist insecuring the upper portion of the exoskeleton to the lower torso of theuser so it is essentially fixed in relative position to the user duringuse.

In some embodiments, upper limb portion 3 may provide a supportstructure upon which one or more motors 21 are provided. Preferably, amotor is provided for each joint that is motorized. Preferably, themotors for the joint of the upper limb and the body and the joint of theupper and lower limb are each provided on the upper limb.

An onboard energy storage member may be provided to provide power forthe motors. Any energy storage member may be provided and the energystorage member may be provided at any location on the exoskeleton or itmay be remotely positioned to the exoskeleton. For example, a power packmay be carried by a user and may have a cord that plugs into theexoskeleton. The energy storage member may comprise one or morebatteries. As exemplified in FIG. 3, batteries 31 may be provided on theupper limb portion 3. In other embodiments, one or more batteries 31 maybe provided on the body portion 9. It will be appreciated that, asexemplified, each motor may be provided with its own battery. Anadvantage of this design is that the weight of the batteries is moreevenly distributed. Alternately, a central power pack may be providedwhich is connected to each motor.

The provision of elements such as motors 21 and batteries 31 on theupper limb portion 3, which is closer to the torso of the user, allowsthe lower limb portion 4 to be lighter, reducing its mass moment ofinertia. Reducing the moment of inertia correspondingly reduces thestress on a user's joints (e.g., knee) that would otherwise result froma heavier lower limb portion.

Upper limb portion 3 may be formed of a single contiguous segment, ormay be adjustable in length. For example, in some embodiments, upperlimb portion 3 may comprise two end segments coupled by a bracket. Forexample, they may be telescoping elements or comprise side by sidemembers or brackets. By using an alternate bracket that has a differentlength, or by connecting the brackets together at different locations(e.g., selecting between differently spaced screw holes in the bracketor end segments), the upper limb portion 3 may be lengthened orshortened to accommodate each user. It will be appreciated that anyadjustable segment may be used.

If upper limb portion is drivingly connected to the exoskeleton, theneach end of upper limb portion 3 may have a mount and a drive forcetransmission mechanism 20 may be provided to drivingly connect a motor21 to an adjacent portion of the exoskeleton on the other side of ajoint. For example, the upper end of upper limb portion 3 may have adrive force transmission mechanism 20 to drivingly connect a motor 21 tothe upper body portion 9 and the lower end of upper limb portion 3 mayhave a drive force transmission mechanism 20 to drivingly connect amotor 21 to the lower limb portion 4. Preferably, the portions of theexoskeleton are pivotally connected together. Accordingly, as shown inthe illustrated embodiments, the mount comprises a pivot 30 having apivot axis A, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 8. Pivot 30 maycomprise a suitable bearing to facilitate rotational motion of lowerlimb portion 4 relative to upper limb portion 3 about pivot axis A.

Lower limb portion 4 may be formed of a single contiguous segment, ormay be adjustable in length. For example, in some embodiments, lowerlimb portion 4 may include a telescoping tube structure as illustratedwith a plurality of locking positions, and may be lengthened orshortened to accommodate each user. It will be appreciated that lowerlimb portion may use the same length adjustment mechanism as upper limbportion 3, or it may use a different length adjustment mechanism.

An upper limb cover 10 may be provided to shield portions of exoskeleton1 from dust and other contaminants, and also to protect moving elementsof exoskeleton 1 from external objects. Upper limb cover 10 may beformed of a metal, metal alloy, plastic, composite or another suitablematerial.

Transmission Construction

In accordance with one aspect of the teachings described herein, thefollowing is a description of a transmission or gear construction, whichmay be used by itself in any exoskeleton or in any combination orsub-combination with any one or more other aspects disclosed hereinincluding the offset pivot axis construction, the foot plate assemblyconstruction and the air bladder strap construction. Generally, thedrive force transmission mechanism 20 is configured to transmit driveforce between a motor provided on the upper limb portion and the bodyportion, and/or between a motor on the upper limb portion and the lowerlimb portion. Accordingly, in combination, the motor and the drive forcetransmission mechanism provide a powered joint. In accordance with thisaspect, drive force transmission mechanism 20 adapts a rotational forcefrom a motor mounted on the upper limb portion and having a motor axisthat is generally parallel to the limb, and transmits it laterally viaone or more gears to the body portion or lower limb portion.

An advantage of aligning the output axle of the motor transverse to thetransmission direction of the motor to the joint, is that the motorhaving a lower torque level may be provided and accordingly, a smallermotor may be used. The use of a smaller motor will enable the use of alighter motor and, using the same on board energy source, a longeroperating life may be obtained.

A further advantage of aligning the output axle of the motor transverseto the transmission direction of the motor to the joint is that theprofile of the limb structure may be reduced. If the motor axis wasaligned with the axis of rotation of the gears, then the motor wouldextend further outwardly, and increase the clearance that would berequired for a user to avoid walls, furniture and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 6-17, an example embodiment of a drive forcetransmission mechanism 20 is shown for use in an exoskeleton, such asexoskeleton 1, for at least one limb structure corresponding to a limbof a user. FIGS. 6-11 illustrate the complete transmission mechanism 20along with sub-portions of the upper and lower limb portions. FIGS.12-17 illustrate a partial drive force transmission mechanism 20, inwhich selected parts have been omitted to provide a better view ofinternal components.

Generally, the at least one limb structure may have an upper portion orupper limb portion 3, connected to the body portion 9, or lower limbportion 4, or both. The upper limb portion 3 may be moveably mounted tothe body portion 9 and lower limb portion 4 may be moveably mounted tothe upper limb portion 3. In at least some embodiments, upper limbportion 3 is pivotally moveably mounted to the body portion 9 and lowerlimb portion 4 is pivotally moveably mounted to the upper limb portion 3

In the example shown, exoskeleton 1 has a left leg structure and a rightleg structure, and a waist member or body portion 9. The exoskeleton maybe secured to the user by any means known in the art. Preferably, aplurality of straps may also be provided at various positions on theexoskeleton. For example, straps may be provided for securing the userto the leg structures to thereby transmit the user's weight to theexoskeleton by the left and right leg structures. A waist strap may alsobe provided to secure the exoskeleton to the lower torso of a user. Insome embodiments, the straps may include at least one inflatable pocketto enhance comfort and to distribute pressure on the user's limbs ortorso.

In accordance with this aspect, a drive motor 21 may be provided on theupper limb portion 3. Drive motor 21 has a motor axis M that extendsgenerally parallel to the upper limb portion 3. More particularly, drivemotor 21 is oriented such that the motor output axle 22 is generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of upper limb portion 3. Thisfacilitates a compact and efficient arrangement of elements on theexoskeleton 1.

Drive motor 21 may be mounted to or proximate upper limb portion end 3 aor output axle 22 may have a sufficient length such that drive gear 23is positioned to drivingly engage driven gear 24.

In some embodiments, drive motor 21 may incorporate, or be coupled to, aplanetary gear box to decrease the output speed of a motor output axle22 while increasing its torque.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6-17, the drive force transmissionmechanism 20 shown is a rotary motion drive force transmission mechanismused to drivingly connect the drive motor 21 to the lower limb portion 4of exoskeleton 1 (e.g., at a knee joint). More particularly, lower limbportion 4 is moveably mounted and, preferably, pivotally mounted toupper limb portion 3.

Drive force transmission mechanism 20 comprises a first gear or drivengear 28 provided on an upper end of the lower limb portion 4. The drivengear 28 may be any gear coupled to the lower limb portion 4. The gearmay be an internal gear. It is preferred that the gear has a constantarc, and may provide a travel distance of between 10-150° or between30-150°. The travel distance may vary depending upon the joint and ispreferably selected to permit a normal range of motion of the joint(preferably while walking and moving into and out of a sittingposition).

Drive force transmission mechanism 20 further comprises a first transfermember extending transverse to the motor axis M.

In some embodiments, the first transfer member may comprise a singletransverse gear, e. g., a gear to transfer the rotary output from thedrive motor transverse or laterally to the lower limb portion. Forexample, drive gear 23 provided on the motor output axle 22 maydrivingly engage such a transverse gear and the transverse gear maydirectly drivingly engage driven gear 28. Alternately, drive gear 23 maydirectly drivingly engage driven gear 28 or an extension thereof.However, in other embodiments, including the example shown, the transfermember comprises a transfer shaft 26, which has a drive gear 27 providedthereon at a first end, and a driven gear 24 provided thereon at asecond opposing end. The drive gear 27 is drivingly connected to thedriven gear 28. One or both of drive gear 27 and driven gear 28 may behelical gears, while in other embodiments they may be spur gears orother suitable gear. Helical gears offer the advantage of quieteroperation relative to spur gears.

Driven gear 24 is driven by a drive gear 23 provided on the motor outputaxle 22, which is mounted transversely to transfer shaft 26. In theillustrated example, drive gear 23 and driven gear 24 are bevel gears.Drive gear 23 is non-rotatably mounted to motor output axle 22, forexample using a shearable key. Drive gear 23 may be a bevel gear fordrivingly coupling with a driven gear 24, which is also beveled. Inother embodiments, drive gear 23 may be drivingly coupled to driven gear24 using other configurations, such as a worm gear.

To prevent injury to the user from over-torque conditions, at least oneof the gears, and preferably one of the driven gear 24 and drive gear 27is shearably mounted to transfer shaft 26, e.g., it may be non-rotatablymounted to transfer shaft 26 using a shearable key 25. Similarly, drivegear 23 may be non-rotatably mounted to motor output axle 22 using ashearable key. The shearable keys can be formed of a material, such as asoft metal alloy, that deforms and shears when a predetermined force isapplied, where the predetermined force is selected to be lower than islikely to cause injury to the user, or damage to exoskeleton components,or both.

In some embodiments, the drive force transmission mechanism provides agear reduction of from 1:200 to 1:600. In some embodiments, the driveforce transmission mechanism provides a gear reduction of from 1:300 to1:500.

In some embodiments, driven gear 28 is an internal gear (i.e., the gearteeth are provided on an interior side and not an exterior side). Itwill be appreciated that an internal gear may extend in a full circleand may have teeth on part or all of the inner surface. Alternately, asexemplified, internal gear 28 is constructed as an arc. In such anembodiment, a gear housing 33 may be provided at an end of the lowerlimb portion 4, to surround an outer portion of driven gear 28 andpreferably to close the open end of an arc shaped drive gear 28 so as todefine an enclosed interior space 34 (see FIG. 11). Accordingly, theinternal driven gear 28 has a driven side with teeth which are engagedby the teeth of drive gear 27 on transfer shaft 26 and an opposed sidewhich may be closed by the gear housing 33.

As shown, driven gear 28 may be an internal gear and it may beconstructed in several manners. For example, it may be formed as part ofgear housing 33 (e.g., an integrally formed unit), or driven gear 28 maybe fastened to or within gear housing 33. The gear housing may beprovided with a back plate 35 that closes the lateral side of opening 34opposed to that of transfer shaft 26. The gear housing 33 and back plate35 protect the internal gear from becoming entangled with articles ofthe user's clothing, or from other external environmental elements.Driven gear 28 may be formed as port of the upper end of lower limbportion 4 or it may be manufactured separately and then attachedthereto.

In order to prevent over-rotation of the joint, which could damage alimb of the user, a mechanism may be provided to inhibit or preventrotation of the joint past a predetermined limit. The limit may be setslightly short of the degree of rotation at which the joint of a usermay be damaged from over-rotation. For example, driven gear 28 may havefirst and second spaced apart gear ends 28 a and 28 b and a stop member29 a or 29 b may be provided proximate to one or both spaced apart ends28 a and 28 b of driven gear 28 to stop rotation of the transfer memberprior to or at the stop. In some embodiments, the stop member 29 a or 29b may be part of or integral to gear housing 33. The stop member 29 a or29 b may be of any construction and may be provided on any part so as tobe engaged by, e.g., drive gear 27 and prevent rotation of drive gearpast the stop. If a shearable connector is provided, then the shearableconnector may be sheared upon such an occurrence, thereby preventingdamage to the joint of the user and the exoskeleton. It will beappreciated that the stop may be designed to provide resistance torotation so as to cause the shearable connector to shear.

Alternately, or in addition, the mechanism may comprise a controlleroperatively connected to drive motor 21 which may be configured toprevent rotation of drive gear 27 past one or both the gear ends 28 aand 28 b.

Likewise and in similar fashion, a second drive force transmissionmechanism 20′ may be provided at a hip joint, and may comprise a secondtransfer member extending transverse to a motor axis of a second drivemotor, where the second drive force transmission mechanism 20′ drivinglyconnects the second drive motor to the body portion 9. As exemplified inFIGS. 1-5, upper limb portion 3 is moveably mounted and, preferably,pivotally mounted to body portion 9. In this embodiment, the first gearor driven gear 28 is preferably provided on the body portion 9. Forexample, driven gear 28 may be provided on the hip portion 91 of bodyportion 9. In addition, in some embodiments, a gear housing 33 may beprovided at an end of the body portion 9.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the exoskeleton may have two limbstructures, one for each leg. As exemplified in FIG. 1, the exoskeletonhas a limb structure for the left leg and a limb structure for the rightleg. The limb structures are connected to a waist member. The upper limbportion is provided with two motors, one for actuation of the hip jointand one for actuation of the knee joint. One advantage of this design isthat sensory receptors are not required in the knee to simulate motornerves and create a limitation in the range of motion of the knee toprotect the cartilage and ligaments associated with the knee of a userfrom being over rotated.

Another advantage is that the weight of the lower limb portion 4 isreduced and this reduces the forces that are transmitted through theknee joint.

A further advantage is that the lower limb portion 4 may be easier toremove and service or replace. For example, control wiring for a motorneed not extend through the knee joint. Further, the lower limb portionmay be removable by removing the screws or the like which moveablysecure the lower limb portion 4 to the upper limb portion 3 andoptionally disengaging the gear on the lower limb portion 4 from thedrive force transmission mechanism.

A further advantage is that, by keeping the motors on the upper limbportion 3, and supporting weight by the waist member and/or the upperand lower limb portions, the weight that is transmitted through theankle joint of the exoskeleton may be reduced thereby the foot plate tobe lighter.

Off-Set Pivot Axis

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, thefollowing is a description of an offset pivot axis, which may be used byitself in any exoskeleton or in any combination or sub-combination withany one or more other aspects disclosed herein, including thetransmission construction, the foot plate assembly construction and theair bladder strap construction. Preferably, this construction is usedtogether with the transmission construction.

In accordance with this aspect, the upper limb is pivotally mounted tothe lower limb (and/or the body portion) at a position that isvertically spaced from the drive axis of the joint. For example, if thejoint uses the transmission construction disclosed herein, then thepivot axis of the joint of the exoskeleton may be vertically offset fromthe axis of transfer shaft 26. Therefore, the pivot axis of the upperand lower limbs 3, 4 may be above the axis of the transfer shaft 26 forthat joint. Similarly, the pivot axis of the upper limbs 3 and the body9 may be below the axis of the transfer shaft 26 for that joint. It willbe appreciated that the pivot axis of the joint of the exoskeleton ispreferably proximate the pivot axis of the joint of the limb of the userand preferable located essentially at the joint of the limb of the user.

An advantage of this design is that it allows the drive mechanism at thejoint to be sized relatively independently of the constraints imposed bythe user's joint. For example, a larger transfer member or gearconstruction could be used even where it would have a rotational axisthat does not align well with the user's own joint. The design may alsofacilitate increased adjustability for differently sized limbs.

In the illustrated example, lower limb portion 4 is pivotally mounted tothe upper limb portion 3 about a limb portion pivot axis A (see FIG. 8).Limb portion pivot axis A may be located at any location that extendsthrough a portion of lower limb 4 or an extension thereof, such as drivegear 28 and the associated housing 33, 35. As exemplified, limb portionpivot axis A may be located generally within and at an upper end ofhousing 33 that surrounds driven gear 28. Pivot axis A may be centeredon a bearing 30 that pivotally moveably couples an upper end of lowerlimb portion 4, such as housing 33, to a lower end of upper leg portion3, such as upper limb portion end 3 a (see FIG. 6).

As exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 12, limb portion pivot axis A ispositioned proximate to and generally above the transfer axis B of thetransfer member or transfer shaft 26. Transfer axis B may extendgenerally parallel to limb portion pivot axis A. However, limb portionpivot axis A is spaced apart from the transfer member or transfer shaft26, such that limb portion pivot axis A is vertically offset fromtransfer axis B. Accordingly, in the illustrated example, the lower limbportion 4 is pivotally mounted to the upper limb portion 3 about a limbportion pivot axis A, and the exoskeleton 1 is configured such that thelimb portion pivot axis A is positioned proximate to, and generallyabove, the transfer axis B of the transfer member or transfer shaft 26.

In use, limb portion pivot axis A may be aligned with a natural pivotaxis of the user's own knee and secured in this position through the useof straps or the like. Alignment of pivot axis A with the knee's naturalpivot axis reduces stress on the knee joint. In contrast, currentexoskeleton joints may not offer a rotational axis that is fully alignedwith the user's own natural pivot axis, or may have a differentrotational arc than the knee joint, such that the knee joint may bestressed at different points in the rotation.

Similarly, in other configurations such as those of drive forcetransmission mechanism 20′, body portion 9 may be pivotally mounted tothe upper limb portion 3 about a body portion pivot axis A′. The bodyportion pivot axis A′ may be positioned proximate to, and generallybelow the axis of the transfer member B′. The transfer member axis mayextend generally parallel to the body portion axis A′. However, the bodyportion axis A′ is spaced apart from the transfer member or transfershaft, such that the transfer member axis B′ and body portion axis A′are vertically offset and the body portion axis A′ may be positionedbelow the transfer member axis B′ (see for example FIG. 2). As with limbportion pivot axis A, the body portion axis A′ may also be aligned witha natural pivot axis of the user's hip joint.

Also in similar fashion to mechanism 20, a first driven gear may be aninternal gear, surrounded by a perimeter, and the body portion pivotaxis A′ may be located at a lower portion of the perimeter and may beprovided in gear housing 33′.

The upper limb portion 3 is thus rotatable relative to the body about anupper limb axis, with the upper limb portion pivotally mounted to thebody portion about a body portion pivot axis. The exoskeleton may beconfigured such that the body portion pivot axis A′ is positionedproximate the axis of rotation of the upper limb and the body of a user(e.g., the pivot of the hip joint) and generally below the transfermember axis B′.

It will be appreciated that if a different gear construction is utilizedin combination with this aspect, then the relative positioning of thebody pivot axis and the joint pivot axis of the exoskeleton may bereversed. For example, the exoskeleton may be configured such that thebody portion pivot axis A′ of the hip is positioned above the transfermember axis B′ Similarly, the exoskeleton may be configured such thatthe body portion pivot axis A of the knee is positioned below thetransfer member axis B.

Foot Plate Assembly

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, thefollowing is a description of foot plate assembly, which may be used byitself in any exoskeleton or in any combination or sub-combination withany one or more other aspects disclosed herein, including thetransmission construction, the offset pivot axis construction and theair bladder strap construction.

According to this aspect, an exoskeleton for the legs of a user isprovided with a foot plate that is configured for receiving a foot ofthe user wherein the foot plate is moveable about the ankle joint of theuser so as to facilitate walking. The forward portion of the foot platemay be biased so as to be raised upwardly when the leg of the user israised off the floor and moved forward. An advantage of this design isthat raising of the forward portion of the foot helps to navigate uneventerrain. For example, the foot of a user may not be moved into an objectcausing the user to fall over. Therefore, this aspect may help to avoidsmall tripping obstacles that may be found throughout the walkingterrain.

The foot plate may be biased upwardly by a mechanical biasing membersuch as a mechanical spring 55 (see FIG. 21) or a pneumatic spring 55″(see FIG. 25). An advantage of the use of a mechanical biasing member isthat the biasing member is simpler and less prone to breakdown. Further,it is lighter thereby reducing the weight of the foot plate assembly andreducing the force that is transmitted through the knee joint.

The foot plate may be biased to a raised position by a biasing memberthat is connected to the leg structure (e.g., lower limb portion 4) andpreferably a lower end of lower limb portion 4. It will be appreciatedthat the biasing member may be biasingly connected to a forward portionof the foot plate assembly 75 and accordingly the biasing member may bebiased to a contracted position thereby providing an upwardly directedforce to a forward portion of the foot plate assembly 75. Alternately,the biasing member may be biasingly connected to a rearward portion ofthe foot plate assembly 75 and accordingly the biasing member may bebiased to an extended or expanded position thereby providing adownwardly directed force to a rearward portion of the foot plateassembly 75.

The footplate is sized to receive a foot of the user. The foot plate maybe sized so as to enable all or most of the foot of the user to bereceived thereon. Alternately, the foot plate may be sized to underlieonly a central portion of the foot of the user. The foot plate may besized so as to be received in a shoe.

Described herein are embodiments that provide a foot plate biased to anupward position, where the biasing can be achieved without the use of amotor or a geared transmission.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, a first example of a foot plate assembly 75 isshown wherein an upwardly directed force is provided to a forwardportion of the foot plate assembly 75.

Foot plate assembly 75 generally includes a lower leg portion end 4 a,which may be a segment or portion of a lower limb portion 4 (moreparticularly, a lower leg portion), or which may be adapted to becoupled to lower limb portion 4.

In the illustrated example, lower leg portion end 4 a is a hollow tube,which is adapted to receive a biasing assembly 54 within the tube. Anadvantage of this design is that the biasing member is provided as aninternal member of the leg structure and therefore a separate protectivehousing is not required for the biasing member, thereby reducing theweight of the leg structure. In other embodiments, the biasing assembly54 may be provided external to or adjacent to lower leg portion end 4 a(see for example the embodiment of FIG. 22). In some embodiments, alower leg portion end 4 a may not be provided and lower portion 4 may bedirectly connected to foot plate assembly 75.

Lower leg portion end 4 a is moveably coupled to a foot plate 5 at aconnection point 52 and is preferably pivotally mounted thereto.

Foot plate 5 may be formed of a single generally U-shaped orstirrup-shaped element, or may be formed from multiple elements coupledtogether to form the foot plate. Foot plate 5 generally has an underfootsupport portion and two flanges 70, with holes 100 therethrough at theirupper ends. One of the flanges 70, preferably the outwardly positionedone, is used to connect foot plate 5 to lower leg portion end 4 a atconnection point 52, which defines an ankle pivot axis C. Pivot axis Cis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of lower leg portionend 4 a.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that only one flange 70 may beprovided (see for example the embodiment of FIG. 22). Therefore, in someembodiments, only one flange 70 is provided, and may be configured to bepositioned to an outer side of a user of the exoskeleton.

Flanges 70 may extend laterally and upwardly from the foot plateunderfoot support portion. Flanges 70 are preferably shaped such thatopening 100 is positioned adjacent the ankle joint of a user andlaterally, and preferably outwardly, spaced therefrom so as to notengage the ankle of a user during walking.

As exemplified in FIG. 21, lower leg portion end 4 a is rotatablymoveably coupled to foot plate 5 at the connection point 52 using asuitable bearing, washer assembly or other rotatable coupling. Forexample, the lower end of lower leg end portion 4 a may be provided witha pair of spaced apart flanges 112 and outer flange 70 may be pivotallymounted thereto. As exemplified, flanges 112 have openings 114 therein.Inner flange 70 is received between flanges 112 and openings 114 and 100aligned. An inner screw member with an internal threaded bore may beprovided on an inner side of outer flange 70 and extend outwardlythrough openings 114 and 100. A washer 108 may be provided between innerscrew member 102 and the inner surface of inner flange 70. A bearing 104may be provided on the shaft of inner screw member 102 and positioned inopening 100. A washer may then be position on the shaft of inner screwmember 102 and outer screw member 104, which has an outer threadedshaft, may then be screwed into the threaded bore of inner screw member102. It will be appreciated that other pivot mounts may be used.

The underfoot support portion of foot plate 5 has a rearward portion 57provided rearwardly of connection point 52 for supporting the user'sheel and a forward portion 59 provided forward of connection point 52for supporting at least a portion of the user's forefoot. Flange 70 isaccordingly provided at middle section 58, between rearward portion 57and forward portion 59.

Foot plate 5 and the underfoot support portion in particular may begenerally sized to fit within a user's shoe, such that in use the user'sfoot is placed within the flanges 70 and above, e.g., on the top surfaceof, the underfoot support portion, whereupon the foot plate 5 may beplaced within the user's shoe. Accordingly, the user's shoe providestraction for walking.

An ankle support 51 may be provided. In such a case, ankle support 51may be coupled to lower leg portion end 4 a at one end and to foot plate5 at an opposite end, in which case two flanges 70 may be provided.Alternatively, ankle support 51 may be coupled to foot plate 5 at bothends, for example at connection point 52. Ankle support 51 is generallyformed of a stiff material, such as metal or plastic, although flexiblematerials may also be used in some embodiments and padding may beprovided.

As exemplified in FIG. 21, ankle support 51 is provided with an opening110 at its distal end 51 a and may be co-mounted on inner screw member102 with inner flange 70. It will be appreciated that if an anklesupport 51 is not provided, then inner flange 70 may not be provided.The proximal end 51 b of ankle support 51 may be secured to lower legend portion 4 a such as by screws 116 that extend through openings 118in proximal end 51 b of ankle support 51 and into lower leg end portion4 a. As such, ankle member 51 is fixed in position. In an alternateembodiment, ankle support 51 may be pivotally or otherwise moveablymounted.

Ankle support 51 may be generally positioned as to be above the heel ofthe user's shoe, so as not to interfere with the shoe when a walkingmotion is carried out.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 18-21, the forward portion 59of foot plate 5 is biased upwardly. Accordingly, outer flange 70 mayinclude a biasing flange 71, which is provided forward of opening 100and preferably is provided generally slightly forward of connectionpoint 52 and proximate the ankle of a user of the exoskeleton. Biasingmember 55 is biasingly connected between lower limb portion 4 and footplate assembly 75 and may be directly connected to each or may beconnected to a first extension member that extends from biasing member55 to connect to foot plate assembly 75 and/or a second extension memberthat extends from biasing member 55 to connect to lower limb portion 4.

As exemplified, first end 55 a of biasing member 55 is connected tosecond end 56 b of rod 56 and second end 56 a of rod 56 is connected toflange 71 (e.g., via screw 120). Second opposed end 55 b of biasingmember 55 may be coupled to a cap 62, which can be anchored to a portionof lower leg portion end 4 a (e.g., it may seat on the upper opening oflower leg portion end 4 a). In some embodiments, cap 62 may be a screwcap coupled to threads provided within lower leg portion end 4 a.Adjustment of the screw cap thereby provides tension adjustment ofbiasing member 55. Optionally, sheath 61 is provided inside lower legportion end 4 a and receives biasing member 55 therein. An advantage ofthis design is the biasing member, or an extension member, is moveablymounted to the lower leg portion end 4 a and the foot plate assembly sothat it may pivot or move as a user walks. In view of this construction,the orientation of the biasing member or an extension thereof ismoveable with respect to each of the lower limb portion 4 and the footplate assembly 75. This construction is preferred is the biasing memberis a rigid member such as a pneumatic spring as exemplified in FIG. 25.In other embodiments, the orientation may be fixed. Such as embodimentmay be used if the biasing member is flexible, such as a coil spring.

It will be appreciated that the biasing member 55 may be secureddirectly to flange 71 and/or biasing member may be secured to anotherportion of foot plate assembly 75. Similarly, biasing member 55 may besecured to another portion of the lower leg portion end 4 a or lowerlimb 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, biasing member 55 is a coil spring.However, in other embodiments, biasing member 55 may be an elasticelement, a pneumatic spring biased to a compressed position, or othersuitable biasing member.

The foot plate is moveably mounted at connection points 52, such that itis articulable between a first position in which the rearward portion 57extends downwardly and the forward portion 59 extends upwardly, and asecond position in which the rearward portion 57 extends upwardly andthe forward portion 59 extends downwardly.

Biasing member 55 is generally biased to a compressed configuration, inwhich foot plate 5 is raised to the first position. By biasing footplate 5 to the first position, the weight of the user and theexoskeleton causes the foot plate 5 to flatten against a surface when auser places weight on the foot plate 5, such as when in a standingposition or when the user is walking and places their foot on the floor.However, when the leg is raised, biasing member 55 causes the foot plate5 to return to the first raised position, with the forward portion 59 israised upwardly.

In some embodiments, the biasing member may be pivotally connected tothe foot plate at a position other than connection point 52. Forexample, in some alternative embodiments, the biasing member may bedrivingly connected to foot plate 5 at a position rearward of theconnection point 52. More particularly, the biasing member may beconnected to a flange provided at the middle section that extendslaterally and upwardly from the underfoot portion of foot plate 5, or abiasing flange positioned rearwardly of connection point 52. FIGS. 22-25exemplify such an alternate embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, there is shown another example of a footplate assembly wherein a downwardly directed force is provided to arearward portion of the foot plate assembly.

In this alternative configuration, the biasing member 55 is moveablebetween an extended configuration in which the rearward portion 57extends downwardly and the forward portion 59 extends upwardly and acontracted configuration in which the rearward portion 57 extendsupwardly and the forward portion 59 extends downwardly. In thisconfiguration, the biasing member is biased to the extendedconfiguration. Such a biasing member 55′ may be a telescoping pneumaticspring, for example.

The telescoping spring may be moveably, and preferably, pivotallymounted to the lower leg portion end 4 a, such as by a flange 79. Inthis embodiment, flange 71′ is provided rearward of the connection point52 and telescoping spring may be moveably, and preferably, pivotallymounted to flange 71′. In some embodiments, biasing member 55′ may be apneumatic cylinder.

Biasing member 55′ has support mounts 175 at opposite ends. Screwmembers 174 may be used to secure support mounts 175 to flange 79 andflange 71′, respectively.

Foot plate 5′ may be formed of a single generally U-shaped orstirrup-shaped element, or may be formed from multiple elements coupledtogether to form the foot plate. Foot plate 5′ generally has anunderfoot support portion and one outboard flange 180, with a hole 170therethrough at its upper end for connection point 52. Flange 180extends laterally and upwardly from the foot plate underfoot supportportion. Flange 180 is preferably shaped such that opening 170 ispositioned adjacent the ankle joint of a user and laterally and,preferably outwardly, spaced therefrom so as to not engage the ankle ofa user during walking.

As exemplified in FIG. 25, lower leg portion end 4 a′ is rotatablymoveably coupled to foot plate 5′ at the connection point 52 using asuitable bearing, washer assembly or other rotatable coupling. Forexample, a lower end of lower leg 4 a′ may be provided with forks 183,which have an opening 180 therethrough. Forks 183 may be secured to thelower leg 4 a′ by means of fasteners 186, although in other embodiments,forks 183 may be integral to lower leg 4 a′.

Opening 180 is aligned with opening 170 and forks 183 are spaced apartfrom flange 180 by a pair of washers 172. An inner screw member 176 withan outer threaded shaft may be provided on an inner side of inner flange70 and extend outwardly through opening 180. A bearing 178 may beprovided on the shaft of inner screw member 176 and positioned inopening 180. A washer 182 may then be positioned on the shaft of innerscrew member 176 and an outer screw member 184, which has an innerthreaded shaft, may then be screwed into the threaded bore of innerscrew member 176. It will be appreciated that other pivot mounts may beused.

In some embodiments, the biasing member may be moveably mounted to thefoot plate 5 at a position proximate the ankle of the user and may bepositioned offset from the ankle above or below the ankle, and forwardor rearward of the ankle.

Air Bladder Straps

In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, thefollowing is a description of a strap which may be used by itself in anexoskeleton or in any combination or sub-combination with any one ormore other aspects, including the transmission construction, the offsetpivot axis construction and the foot plate assembly construction.

In order to support the weight of a user while in use, the exoskeletonshould be secured to the user at various points. For example, theexoskeleton may be secured to the user at the waist, mid-thigh level,and mid-calf level. In another example, the exoskeleton can be securedat the waist, at an upper thigh level proximate to the hip, at a lowerthigh level proximate to the knee, at a sub-patellar level proximate toand below the knee, and at an ankle level.

In some embodiments, plastic or fabric straps may be used to secure theexoskeleton to the user. However, such straps may apply pressure to theuser's limbs and torso at certain points, causing pain or discomfort, oreven bruising and abrasion injuries if the user has impaired feeling inthe limb. Moreover, straps that are poorly fitted may have a tendency to“ride” up or down a limb which may impact performance of the exoskeletonand even pose a risk to the user. Further, the movement of the straprelative to the user may cause damage to the skin of the user.

In accordance with this aspect, a strap is provided which has an airbladder or pocket therein. The air bladder is inflated to a pressurewithin a desired range. The pressure is set so as to be sufficient tosecure a user in position. The upper level of the preferred pressurerange may be set so as to be below a level at which the circulation ofthe user is restricted. The lower level of the preferred pressure rangemay be set so as to be above a level at which the strap is too lose andwill move while in use.

An advantage of the use of straps that include one or more air bladdersis that the tendency for pressure sores to occur may be reduced.Pressure sores occur from over compression of the skin. A user may nothave any sensation at the location at which a strap is used to securethem to an exoskeleton. Therefore, when a strap is applied, it may beapplied at a compression that is acceptable while at rest but whichproduces over compression during walking. For example, a paraplegic doesnot have any sensation below the point of injury and will not feel whena strap is too tight and is over compressing the skin. Pressure soresare a significant reason for the re-hospitalization of paraplegics.

Referring to FIGS. 26-29, examples of straps are shown for use with anexoskeleton, such as exoskeleton 1. As described herein, exoskeleton 1may have at least one leg structure, and a drive member such as a drivemotor 21, operatively connected to the at least one leg structure.

One or more air bladder straps 81 may be attached or coupled to theexoskeleton and configured to secure a user to a portion of theexoskeleton.

In the example of FIG. 26, air bladder strap 81 has a section thatextends from an openable portion 82 to an attachment portion 83 providedon the exoskeleton, the section having an inflatable pocket 84 having afirst end proximate the openable portion and a second end proximate theattachment portion. The first and second ends are in air flowcommunication. An advantage of this design is that essentially theentire length of the strap that surrounds a portion of the user may havean air bladder that permits air to flow from one end to the other.Therefore, the pressure in the entire air bladder will remain uniform.Accordingly, if the strap is compressed at one location during use ofthe exoskeleton, the local pressure in the air bladder at that locationwill increase but be dissipated throughout the air bladder, therebyreducing the compression applied to the body of the user.

A power pack or battery 31′ is also shown in FIG. 26, mounted on a waistmember or body portion of the exoskeleton. It will be appreciated thatbattery 31′ can be provided instead of batteries 31 mounted on the upperleg portions, or may be provided in addition to such batteries. It willbe further appreciated that battery 31′ may be mounted in a variety ofpositions, for example on a back portion of the waist member, along thesides, or combinations thereof.

In another example shown in FIG. 27, air bladder strap 81 a extendscontinuously around the user's body, passing behind back support 94 butbetween back support 94 and back adjustment 96. An openable portion 77of air bladder strap is releasably attachable to an attachment portion78.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiment, a single continuous airbladder or inflatable pocket 84 may not extend from a position proximateopenable portion 82 to a position proximate attachment portion 83.Further, in other cases, an air bladder may extend only along a portionof a strap. In such an embodiment, the strap may include 2 or more airbladders that are positioned end to end so as to extends part or all ofthe way from a position proximate openable portion 82 to a positionproximate attachment portion 83.

In some embodiments, the inflatable pocket 84 is integral to the airbladder strap, for example where the air bladder strap is formed ofplastic elements heat sealed to form the inflatable pocket. Accordingly,an outer cover member that is secured to the exoskeleton may not beused.

In other embodiments, the inflatable pocket 84 may be a bladder insertedin a strap, wherein the strap is formed from two or more sections. Forexample, the strap may be formed from two or more lengths of fabric sewntogether, and a bladder inserted between the fabric pieces.

A source of pressurized fluid, such as an air compressor 85 orcompressed air cylinder is connectable in flow communication with theinflatable pocket via an inlet 86. The source of pressurized fluid maybe on board the exoskeleton or external, and preferably on body portion9.

Referring again to FIG. 26, openable portion 82 of the air bladder strapmay be releasably attachable to the exoskeleton at a first location onthe exoskeleton, such as attachment point 87. Any attachment suitablefor securing the exoskeleton to the user may be used, including forexample a buckle, a snap connector, or hook-and-loop fastener or thelike.

In some embodiments, the air bladder strap is non-releasably attached tothe attachment portion 83 provided on the exoskeleton. For example, theair bladder strap may be fastened to the attachment portion 83 usingscrews, adhesives or the like.

In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 28, the air bladderstrap 81′ is releasably attached to a first location 82 a and a secondlocation 82 b. In such embodiments, a fluid flow coupling may beprovided at the first or second location, or both, to provide fluidcommunication between the source of pressurized fluid and the inflatablepocket.

In still other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 29, the airbladder strap 81 c may be connected to the exoskeleton at a mid-portion89 of the strap, and an openable portion 82 c may be releasablyattachable to an attachment portion 83 c provided on an opposing end ofthe strap, such as by a snap connector, or hook-and-loop fastener or thelike.

In some embodiments, the inflatable pocket may be baffled, as shown inFIG. 28. In such a case, the laterally opposed ends of the strap arestill in air flow communication with each other.

In some embodiments, the air bladder strap may have at least oneadditional inflatable pocket. For example, strap 81 may be provided witha second pocket 84 that is parallel to and may be coextensive with(e.g., above or below) pocket 84. The source of pressurized fluid may bein flow communication with all of the inflatable pockets or differentsources of pressurized fluid may be provided and one source ofpressurized fluid may be in flow communication with only one or more ofthe inflatable pockets.

It will be appreciated by a skilled person in the art that variouscombinations and configurations of the air bladder strap are possible,and more than one configuration may be used with a single exoskeleton.

In use, the air bladder strap is generally extended around a portion ofthe user's body and connected to the exoskeleton. The air bladder strapis then pressurized or inflated to a predetermined pressure from asource of pressurized fluid, under the control of a controller (see FIG.30) which may be provided on the exoskeleton, preferably on body portion9, or which may be an external controller. The controller is generallyoperatively connected to the source of pressurized fluid.

The controller may be configured to maintain pressure in the air bladderstrap within a predetermined range. Alternately, the controller may beconfigured to maintain pressure in the air bladder strap above apredetermined level. The source of pressurized fluid may be in air flowcommunication with each strap 81. Alternately, a separate source ofpressurized fluid may be in air flow communication with each strap 81.

Referring to FIG. 30, there is shown an example control system 150 formonitoring pressure in the air bladder strap using a pressure sensor 160in flow communication with the inflatable pocket 84. A controller 152monitors pressure in pocket 84 using pressure sensor 160. Pressuresensor may be provided between a source of pressurized fluid 85 and thepocket 84, and preferably between the source of pressurized fluid 85 anda fluid flow coupling 162 (e.g., the inlet to pocket 84). For example,it may be in the flow conduit 192 between the source of pressurizedfluid 85 and the pocket 84. Controller 152 may be configured to actuatethe source of pressurized fluid 85 in response to a low pressure signalfrom the pressure sensor 160.

The fluid flow coupling 162 is generally provided at an air bladderinlet 86. A check valve 156 may also be positioned between the pressuresensor 160 and the source of pressurized fluid 85 to isolate the sourceof pressurized fluid 85 when it is not in use.

In some embodiments, a pressure relief valve 158 may be provided in flowcommunication with the inflatable pocket. Pressure relief valve isconfigured to release pressure from the air bladder strap when anoverpressure condition occurs. Pressure relief valve 158 may be amechanical valve (e.g., spring actuated) in which case the controllermay be configured to maintain pressure in the air bladder strap above apredetermined level. Alternately pressure relief valve 158 may beelectronic (e.g., it may be actuatable by the controller 152 toautomatically release pressure from the air bladder strap when thepressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds a predetermined pressure, suchas determined by pressure sensor 1600), in which case the controller maybe configured to maintain pressure in the air bladder strap within apredetermined range.

In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 158 and the check valve156 may be a single three way valve.

Accordingly, the controller 152 may be configured to maintain the fluidpressure within inflatable pocket 84 at a predetermined pressure, orwithin a predetermined range. The predetermined pressure can be selectedto provide a secure fit of the exoskeleton to the user while preventinginjury or discomfort to the user.

In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 26, body portion 9 has thepower supply, the source of compressed air 85 and controller mountedthereon. An advantage of this design is that the weight of thesecomponents is provided on the part of the exoskeleton that is secured toa user's waist. Therefore, this portion of the weight is transmitted tothe user's lower torso. This reduces the weight that would otherwise beplaced on the limbs of the exoskeleton, which would increase the forcetransmitted through the joints of the exoskeleton.

What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative ofthe invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by personsskilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined in theclaims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited bythe preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exoskeleton configured to be worn by a person and comprising: a) at least one leg structure; b) a drive member operatively connected to the at least one leg structure; c) an air bladder strap configured to secure a user to a portion of the exoskeleton, the air bladder strap comprising a section that extends from an openable portion to an attachment portion, the section having an inflatable pocket having a first end proximate the openable portion and a second end proximate the attachment portion, wherein the first and second ends are in air flow communication; d) a source of pressurized fluid connectable in flow communication with the inflatable pocket; and, e) a pressure sensor in flow communication with the inflatable pocket, a pressure relief valve in flow communication with the inflatable pocket, and a controller operatively connected to the source of pressurized fluid, the pressure sensor and the pressure relief valve, wherein the controller is operable to maintain the pressure in the inflatable pocket in a first predetermined range when a user wearing the exoskeleton is in a sitting position, and in a second predetermined range when the user wearing the exoskeleton is in a walking position.
 2. The exoskeleton of claim 1 wherein the openable portion is releasably attachable to the exoskeleton at a first location and the attachment portion is provided on the exoskeleton at a second location.
 3. The exoskeleton of claim 2 wherein the attachment portion is releasably attachable to the exoskeleton at the second location.
 4. The exoskeleton of claim 1 wherein the openable portion is releasably attachable to the attachment portion and a mid-portion of the air bladder strap is connected to the exoskeleton.
 5. The exoskeleton of claim 1, wherein the controller actuates the source of pressurized fluid in response to a low pressure signal from the pressure sensor.
 6. The exoskeleton of claim 5 wherein the pressure relief valve is actuatable when the pressure in the inflatable pocket exceeds a predetermined pressure.
 7. The exoskeleton of claim 1 further comprising a check valve positioned between the pressure sensor and the source of pressurized fluid.
 8. The exoskeleton of claim 7 wherein the check valve and the pressure relief valve comprise a single valve.
 9. The exoskeleton of claim 1 further comprising at least one additional inflatable pocket wherein the source of pressurized fluid is connectable in flow communication with all of the inflatable pockets.
 10. The exoskeleton of claim 1 wherein the inflatable pocket is baffled.
 11. A method of attaching an exoskeleton to a user comprising: a) extending an air bladder strap that is connected to the exoskeleton around a portion of the user's body; b) pressurizing the air bladder strap from an on board source of pressurized fluid; and, c) maintaining pressure in the air bladder strap within a first predetermined range when a user wearing the exoskeleton is in a sitting position, and within a second predetermined range when the user wearing the exoskeleton is in a walking position.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein maintaining the pressure comprises releasing pressure from the air bladder strap when an overpressure condition occurs.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the exoskeleton comprises a pressure relief valve in flow communication with an inflatable pocket in the air bladder strap and the method further comprises automatically releasing pressure from the air bladder strap when an overpressure condition occurs.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein maintaining the pressure comprises monitoring pressure in the air bladder strap and increasing the pressure when an under pressure condition occurs. 